Google launched the final version of Android 17 to the public this morning with it first being received on eligible Pixel devices. After several weeks of open Beta testing, the final stable version can be downloaded via OTA update. With the final version now here, here are the 10 most exciting new features introduced
1. App Bubble and Bubble Bar
The process of multitasking applications has become easier as when they are not open they are now displayed in a circular “bubble” at the bottom of the screen. It is always displayed making it easier for users to quickly switch between devices. The era of having to press the multitasking button or scroll sideways several times to switch applications is over. On large screen devices such as tablets and foldable screen devices, the Bubble Bar is introduced by being arranged parallel to the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2. Dark Mode In All Applications
Through Android 17, dark mode can be enabled in all applications even if they are not supported by developers through Expanded Dark Theme. If an app is incompatible or looks strange in dark mode, Android 17 allows this feature to be turned off on a per-app basis in the operating system settings.
3. Removable App Icon Labels
Android 17 allows labels placed under app icons to now be removed. This feature has been supported on Android launchers like One UI but not on stock Android. With app names being removable, the front of the screen looks cleaner, especially for those who prefer to only display app icons.
4. Remapping Game Controller Buttons
The buttons on game controllers connected to an Android 17 device can be remapped. This allows the UI, which provides unfriendly default settings, to be changed according to the user's comfort. This new feature can be accessed through the new Game Controller menu.
5. Gaming Mode on Foldable Screen Devices
Android 17 also introduces Foldable Gaming Mode on foldable screen devices. The top of the foldable screen will display the UI graphic while the screen below displays the UI control buttons. The graphical display of these control buttons changes according to the game being played. Since it is included directly at the operating system level, this mode can be used without the need for OEMs.
6. Enhanced Anti-Theft Mode
In Android 16, the feature of automatically locking the phone when it detects that it has been stolen was introduced. When enabled, the pin number, lock pattern or lock screen password must be entered to get back into use. In Android 17, this feature is further enhanced by reducing the number of attempts to guess the pin number, lock pattern and password. After failing several times, a waiting time is introduced.
Devices that enter ‘Mark as lost’ mode in FInd Hub now require unlock confirmation before they can be used again. This means that even if the device is stolen/accessed by an individual who knows your pin number, lock pattern or password, they still cannot access the phone’s contents.
7.Screen Reactions
Screen Reactions allows recording reactions using Screen Recorder. The screen content is recorded simultaneously with the front camera. This allows popular TikTok-like reaction videos to be made directly using Screen Recorder without the need for a third-party application. Videos from the front camera can be repositioned and resized according to the user’s needs.
8. Automatically Reconnect a Lost Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth earbuds have a connection range of around 10 meters. Beyond this distance, the connection will start to falter before being completely disconnected. Usually, when the earbuds disconnect, you have to go back to the Bluetooth menu to reconnect.
On Android 17, the connection will be automatically reestablished without the device and BT accessory having to find each other again. I tested this feature on the Pixel 9 Pro XL and it works as promised. As soon as the Pixel Buds 2 Pro are back in range of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s BT tethering, they will automatically reconnect.
9. Continue On
Android 17 devices will receive a new Continue On feature that allows work done on one device to continue on another Android 17 device. This is similar to the Handoff feature on Apple devices.
Among the tasks that can be continued across devices in the future are watching videos, reading articles on websites, writing messages and editing documents. This is useful for those who start work on their phone but want to continue it on a tablet or Googlebook.
When detecting a device near an open application, a Googlebook or tablet will display an icon suggesting the application is open. The process of transferring the work being done will happen quickly as soon as the icon is pressed,
10.Pause Point
Android 17 introduces Pause Point which is activated when you open an application that the device owner has labeled as a waste of time. It could be Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube or Mobile Legends Bang Bang. Pause Point gives you a 10-second period to wait and ask why you need to open the application.
With Pause Point, the issue of wasting time on useless apps or attempting to reduce device usage due to screen addiction can be combated by the owner themselves.
